Using the Self-Timer

Wind the film once.     Set the self-timer lever.

Press the shutter release to start the self-timer. The shutter will fire in 12 seconds. Wind the film for the next shot. The self-timer lever will automatically return to its original position. If you continue to use the self-timer, wind the film in several short strokes, and it will remain activated. Take note that shutter will fire even if you return the self-timer lever to its original position while it is running.4www.butkus.org

Bulb Exposure

Set the mode selector dial to the "MANUAL" position.     Set the shutter speed dial to "B" (bulb). ("B" is not displayed in the viewfinder.)

Advanced Techniques 

If you want to improve. your pictures or refine your shooting techniques, it is important to understand the operation of your camera thoroughly. The following pages will provide detailed technical information on the OM-40 PROGRAM to help you create more sophisticated photographs.

SELECTING THE METERING MODE (A Choice of Two Metering Modes)

Features 1. This mode can be selected for general use at all times. 2. Depending on the light distribution in the composition metering is carried out as follows: * When the central part of the composition is darker than areas on the periphery, the camera computer increases the exposure to compensate according to the degree of difference in brightness indicated. * When the central area is brighter than the rest of the composition the camera sets a predetermined compensation value to reduce the exposure. *When the sun or other extremely bright light sources appear directly in the composition they are ignored in making the exposure calculation.4www.butkus.org *When the whole composition is illuminated evenly the camera operates in the same way as in TTL Direct "OTF" Auto Mode (using center-weighted average metering). In this case the ESP Metering symbol doss not appear. 1. This mode should be selected when you do not warn to leave everything up to the camera, but prefer to set the exposure according to your own experience, 'feel' and creative requirements. 2. In this mode the camera decides the exposure by taking an average (center-weighted) of the brightness of the overall composition, without analyzing light distribution in different parts of the composition.

ESP (Electro-Selective Pattern) Metering Generally, a photograph includes objects with different levels of brightness. Center-weighted averaged light metering is an excellent method to; the majority of ordinary subjects. It averages the light intensity in a picture frame to determine exposure. With backlighting and other types of illumination, however, this metering method may not provide correct exposure because the light level often differs between the subjects and backgrounds. The Olympus OM-4 OM-3 and OM-2 SPOT/PROGRAM have adopted spot metering systems which allow the photographer to isolate the subject for specific metering and therefore to obtain more accurate exposures. The new ESP metering system has been specifically developed for the OM40 PROGRAM to simplify exposure in these difficult lighting conditions. As soon as you fire the shutter, the camera will measure the light intensity in both the center of the frame and outer area separately. The micro computer then processes this information, including contrast data, and automatically sets optimum exposure according to the ESP algorithm*. By simply depressing the shutter release, you can produce a photograph in which the subject will appear as you see it with your eyes.4www.butkus.org * For further information on ESP algorithm, refer to page 45.

· TTL Direct Off-The-Film "OTF" Light Metering (Center-Weighted Average Metering) This is the direct, center-weighted, averaged light metering system which Olympus pioneered in the original model OM-2. It measures the brightness of the subject as the light registers on the film during the actual exposure. "OTF" metering can respond to any sudden changes in light during exposure, and therefore it is very advantageous for taking quick candid shots and fast moving subjects. In flash photography with an Olympus T-Series flash, this "OTF" Light Metering method will also fully control the flash exposure, thereby eliminating any need for complicated guide number exposure calculations. You can work with all available apertures of your lens and use sophisticated techniques such as bounce flash and multi flash in a fully automatic mode. It has also solved difficult exposure problems with macrophotography.

SELECTING THE METERING MODE (How to use ESP Metering)

Subjects for which ESP Metering is Specially Effective

ESP Metering is the mode to set for general use. In this mode, you don't have to worry about how the picture will turn out. All you need do is press the shutter release. Even in tricky situations such as sharp backlighting, the camera responds flexibly to give you correctly exposed shots. This mode assures trouble-free shooting even with the kind of pictures that often turned out as failures because the exposure was wrong. In fact, ESP Metering greatly increases the range of auto exposure technology. The following examples should provide a useful reference.

* When taking pictures in ESP metering mode, activate the viewfinder display by pressing the shutter release button lightly, then shoot.

 

· Backlighting With center-weighted average metering, this kind of situation tends to leave the subject's face pitch black. But ESP Metering assures even the fine shades of the subject's expression are faithfully conveyed. For the best results, try to keep the main subject fairly near the center of the composition. Check for the ESP Metering symbol in the viewfinder.

 

	· When part of the subject area is extremely bright  If a part of the picture frame is extremely bright, the subject is underexposed under the influence of a strong light on the table in the case of center weighted, averaged metering. In the same picture taken with the ESP metering, even the expression of her face is clearly seen.4www.butkus.org
	· When the surrounding area is very dark In center-weighted, averaged light metering, the subject appears slightly overexposed under the influence of a dark surrounding. In ESP metering mode, however, it is correctly exposed. In this case too, you will get the best results by keeping the main subject close to the center of the compositions.

 

	· When the background is extremely bright in sunlight In center-weighted, averaged light metering, the subject appears completely dark; in ESP metering mode, you will see even her face clearly. If there is an extremely bright object in the viewfinder frame, ESP metering mode disregards this object when determining exposure, as shown in this example.
	· Ordinary lighting conditions  In this case, the exposure is the same as in center weighted, averaged light metering. The mark will not appear.

· Notes on ESP metering 
The ESP metering mode works properly for the majority of subjects, but it may not be as effective in the following cases:

· When me subject is too small 
In this case, the metering method is practically the same as the center-weighted averaged metering.

· When the subject is not in the center of the viewfinder 
Because ESP metering measures with emphasis on the center of the viewfinder frame, it will give substantially the same result as the center-weighted, averaged metering. In this case, use manual exposure in ESP metering mode as follows,

· Manual exposure in ESP metering mode 
Set the metering mode switch to the ESP and the exposure mode to manual. 

(1) Compose your photograph. 
(2) Aim the camera so that your subject is located in the center of the viewfinder. Now, the mark will turn on.
(3) Set the shutter speed at the same value as indicated in the viewfinder.
(4) Reframe your subject again as you originally did in (1), then focus and shoot it by depressing the shutter release button.


ESP Metering Chart (ESP Algorithm)

GUIDE TO SELECTION OF: EXPOSURE MODE

Features 1. This is the ideal normal mode for snapshots and general photography. 2. When this mode is set the camera automatically decides both the shutter speed and the aperture. Fully automatic exposures are possible over a wide range of subject brightness. 3. You can concentrate on following the subject in the viewfinder without worrying about exposure or shutter speed settings. 4. If you set an intermediate aperture on the lens, the program automatically becomes a continuously variable program. 1. This is basically an aperture preferred mode, but it is possible to use it also as a shutter speed preferred system. This mode is the one to select when you want to put your creative ideas into the picture. 2. In this mode you can concentrate on special depth of field effects, adjusting the aperture to determine whether the background, etc., will be blurred or in clear focus. * Here the background is blurred to make the main subject stand out. (Wide open lens aperture) * Here the background is also in sharp focus, giving a feeling of greater spaciousness and expansiveness. (Stopped down aperture) 3. You can concentrate on shutter speed effects (blurring with motion, etc.). * Here a fast shatter speed arrests the movement of the subject, giving it a kind of timelessness. (Wide open aperture)  * Here use of a slow shutter speed results in a blurred subject, emphasizing the sense of speed. (Stopped down aperture) 1. In Manual Mode, both the lens aperture and the shutter speed are set by hand, giving free reign to your experience and 'feel' for the picture situation. 2. Use when you want to keep the same exposure settings regardless of the brightness of the subject. 3. Use for "Bulb" photography when the shutter is both opened and closed manually. 4. Use when you are basing the exposure on the values given by a separate exposure meter.4www.butkus.org

SELECTING THE EXPOSURE MODE - PROGRAM -

· Program Exposures In this mode the camera automatically selects the ideal lens aperture and shutter speed for the subject brightness, making you highly responsive even to unexpected shots. In Program Mode, the photographer can forget about exposures and shutter speeds completely, and give full concentration to the subject in the viewfinder. The only settings needed are to turn the Mode Selector Dial to Program and set the aperture ring to the smallest available aperture (largest F number). Whether the subject is extra bright or unusually dark you can still rely on fully automatic shots with the best possible aperture and shutter speed settings. Even if you suddenly come from a dark place out into bright sunlight, the camera responds immediately, assuring you fine photos in both situations. Better still, when you use the Program exposure mode together with the ESP Metering mode, even raw beginners are assured of great shots in every situation -including tricky backlit or high contrast shots that used to stump the experts too! This is the perfect mode for snapshots and general photography, as well as for such special fields as news photography, where being ready for everything at all times is the most important requirement.

PROGRAM DIAGRAMS

This program shows the regular program settings that will be obtained with a 50mm F1.8 lens on the camera. From dim light conditions up to a shutter speed of 1/60 sec. the lens aperture remains wide open. At faster speeds than 1/60 sec. the shatter speed and lens aperture settings change in coordination at a ratio of 6/5 as shown. Thus the program is designed to assure adequate shutter speeds and minimize the risk of camera shake spoiling the picture. With still brighter subjects, the program concentrates on closing down the lens aperture sufficiently to assure sharp and clear depth of field effects.

The special OM-40 PROGRAM system also allows you to intentionally set different lens apertures for a continuously variable program able to assure precise depth of field effects, etc. For a quick unexpected shot, the program will assure a correct exposure providing the shutter speed you need is not over 1/ 1000 sec. If the lens aperture setting calls for a shutter speed faster than 1/1000 sec., this Symbol and the 1000 indicator in the viewfinder will flash on and off, and will warn you to reset the aperture to the largest number.

The OM-40 PROGRAM assures you "OTF" Program Auto flash performance when you use an OM System T Series flash unit. The flash will fire automatically at program shutter speeds of 1/ 60 sec. or slower whenever the flash unit is switched ON. In this situation the camera program automatically shifts three settings to the special Flash Program. The final exposure is made precisely accurate by the camera computer; which shuts off the flash the instant the right amount of light has reached the film.4www.butkus.org

· Viewfinder Display in the Program Mode Set the exposure mode dial to and press the shutter release button lightly while looking through the viewfinder. The mark will be lighted and the shutter speed will be displayed in the left side of the viewfinder. If 1;'~) and "1000" blink alternately, it means you have not set the aperture ring to its minimum aperture. Even if it is set at other positions, however, the camera will operate on programmed exposure and 1;, ~ will not turn on if the shutter speed does not exceed 1/1000 sec. This is another intelligent and functional feature of the OM40 PROGRAM. If "1000" alone blinks, it means your subject will be overexposed. Use a Neutral density (ND} filter to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, or a slower film depending on shooting conditions.

SELECTING THE EXPOSURE MODE: --AUTO (Aperture Preferred)

· Auto Exposures
This is an aperture preferred auto mode in which the shutter speed is set automatically by the camera to give the correct exposure for the aperture which the photographer has set after considering the kind of picture desired. Settings are simple. First set the Mode Selector Dial to AUTO. Then set the desired aperture on the aperture ring. In this mode you have a creative freedom to select desired depth of field and other effects, for the kind of results it is hard to obtain in Program Mode. For example, if you want to eliminate the background in a portrait shot, open up the lens aperture as far as you can.
When you want the background to appear sharply too, close the aperture down. In this way you can precisely adjust the lens depth of field for just the effect you want. Although this mode is basically aperture preferred, you can also use it as a shutter speed preferred mode by adjusting the lens aperture to get the shutter speed you require in the viewfinder display. Used in this way it is also highly suitable for getting the effects you want with moving subjects.


DEPTH OF FIELD

Depth of field is the area of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the subject in focus. As you get closer to your subject or as you open your lens (e.g. from F16 to F2.8) the depth of field becomes shallower. By stopping your lens down (e.g. from F2.8 to F16) or getting farther away from your subject this depth of field can be increased. The table below shows that when the camera-to subject distance is 3m,the depth of field at F16 ranges from 1.93m to 6.93m. As you press the preview button, looking through the viewfinder, you can ascertain the actual depth of field. Depth of Field Table (F1.8 & F1.4 50mm Lenses) Circle of least confusing 1/30mm * For other lenses, see the lens instruction manual.

The double series of numbers engraved on the depth of field scale-represent F stops: F4, F8 and F16. Once you have focused on your subject, all objects within the distance range indicated on the lens distance scale between the marks for the F/ stop you have selected will have acceptable sharpness.

PREVIEW BUTTON

When you wish to see which objects fall within the acceptable zone of sharpness (depth of field), press the preview button on your lens. The diaphragm of the lens will stop down to the preset F stop enabling you to see the depth of field in the viewfinder.

In PROGRAM mode, it is impossible to check the depth of field with the preview button. 

CAUTION: Do not take pictures in the Programmed exposure mode with the preview button depressed.


SHUTTER SPEEDS

This camera offers various possibilities for visual expression by changing the shatter speed.
High shutter speeds can be used to "freeze" a moving subject to give sharp definition of the image. Shutter speeds of 1/1000 sec. can "stop" the movement of a considerably fast moving subject. A shutter speed of about 1/250 sec. will be enough to shoot a child at play, if he is not moving too quickly.
There are two methods for giving dynamic expressions. The first one is to blur out the movement of the subject itself, thereby creating a moving image. The second one is to pan the camera according to the movement of the subject. While the background is blurred, the subject is sharply defined to create a moving image.

*In using slow shutter spends, it is necessary to guard against camera shake. we will suggest a very practical method for choosing shutter speeds.  Generally, shutter speeds of which denominator value is larger than the focal length value of the lens used are good for preventing camera shake. If you are using a 50mm lens, for example, shutter spends of 1/60 sec. or higher are best; and if you are using a 200mm lens, shatter speeds of 1/250 sec. or higher are best.

VIEWFINDER DISPLAY FOR AUTOMATIC EXPOSURE

If you press the shutter release button lightly while looking through the viewfinder, you will see the automatic shutter speed in the left side of the frame. However, if the "1000" blinks, it means overexposure and you will have to close down the aperture, If the "1000" does not disappear even when the lens is set to its minimum aperture, the subject is outside the range of automatic exposure control. In this case use an ND (neutral density) filter or shoot with film having a lower ISO number.

SELECTING THE EXPOSURE MODE - MANUAL -

The OM40 PROGRAM also provides manual exposure control. With the exposure mode dial set to MANUAL, you can choose your desired aperture and shutter speed combination. You will see the following display in the viewfinder. As you adjust the aperture ring, the appropriate shutter speed for the aperture you have set will be displayed in the viewfinder. Set the shutter speed dial to that value.4www.butkus.org If you are shooting fast moving subjects such as sports scenes, you may prefer to set your shutter speed first. If so, then adjust your aperture until the preselected shutter speed is indicated in the viewfinder, This technique is useful when a specific shutter speed is needed.

Metering modes/Exposure Modes	PROGRAM	AUTO (aperture preferred)	MANUAL
ESP Metering	The ideal mode for snapshots and general photography, that lets you take properly exposed shots easily even in difficult lighting conditions. It is still simpler and more convenient when combined with the DX ISO AUTO SET Mode for automatic setting of the film speed.	A creative photographic mode that allows control over depth of field and other effects for portraits, souvenir photos, etc. Features automatic exposure compensation for backlit situations.	Useful for situations such as when the main subject is on the edge of the composition in a backlit situation, etc.
TTL Direct "OTF " Light Measuring (center weighted average metering)	The simple snapshot mode that guarantees good results.	This mode does full justice to the photographer's creative intentions, assuring the full range of control available with conventional high quality 35mm Single Lens Reflex cameras.	This is the sphere of total manual control. Both the aperture and the shutter speed are entirely in the hands of the photographer. In this situation creativity is everything, based on the photographer's own experience and instincts. And when needed, the viewfinder indications are still there to offer helpful suggestions.

SELECTING THE FILM SPEED SETTING MODE

Features 1. If you use film that has the DX code and set the selector dial to this mode, the film speed is set automatically on the camera. (The range of auto settings available is from ISO 25 to 3,200.) 1. For when you use film without the DX code. (The range of settings is from ISO 25 to 3,200.) 2. For when you prefer to set a different film speed according to your own experience or preference. 3. For when you plan to use forced or under-developing of the film. 1. You can make this setting manually according to your own experience in order to prevent darkening of the model's face, etc., in backlit or strong contrast situations. (The exposure compensation range is from-2 to +2 stops, in 1/3 stop increments.) 2. When using a super wide angle lens in situations where the sky unavoidably forms a large part of the composition, it may be useful to set a plus exposure compensation4www.butkus.org 3. When using together with ESP Metering mode, exposure compensation set by the ESP Metering system are added to those that are manually set.

· DX ISO AUTO Film Speed Setting
Film speed information is recorded in the digital pattern imprinted on the cassette of DX type film. The OM40 PROGRAM reads this information through the electrical contacts located at six positions in the film chamber, and conveys it to the camera's computer. On reading this information, the film speed is automatically set on the camera. In other words, when you turn the OM40 PROGRAM film speed dial to the DX ISO AUTO SET position, whatever the film speed it is automatically set on the camera.  There is no risk of getting a mistaken setting when you change to a different film speed ... a common disaster in the past! When using the DX ISO AUTO setting, first make sure that you are using DX film. Also note that if there is any damage to the digital pattern on the film cassette, this could result in a mistaken film speed setting.

· ISO Manual Setting
The OM-40 PROGRAM also allows manual setting of the film speed in Exactly the same way as previous cameras. Also use this mode at times when you wish to set an exposure compensation on the dial.

· Exposure compensation Whether it is in the programmed exposure mode, automatic exposure mode, or manual mode, the OM40 PROGRAM permits exposure compensation with the exposure compensation dial. (Remember, exposure compensation is not possible in the film speed auto-set mode.) For example, if the background is brighter than the subject (backlighting), turn and set the dial to the (+) side. This will provide more light for the subject. As you turn the dial, the sign will blink in the viewfinder and the displayed shutter speed will shift depending on the amount of compensation.  The dial can also be set at the intermediate click positions providing accurate 1/3 stop exposure compensation.

BULB EXPOSURE

If you require long exposure, set the shutter speed dial at "B" (bulb). This is useful for night exposures or other special effects. * When taking pictures with the shutter speed dial set at "B", it is recommended that you use a tripod and cable release to prevent camera shake.

MULTIPLE EXPOSURE
By tripping the shatter several times on the same frame, multiple images are produced on the same frame.

This is how to do:

(1) After the first exposure is ended, erect the rewind crank and turn it clockwise as far as it will go to take up film slack.

(2) While holding both the rewind knob and rewind button with your fingers to prevent them from moving, wind the film advance lever.
In fact, the film is not wound and the shutter is cocked by this operation.

(3) Press the shutter release as you would do normally, and double exposure will occur.

(4) By repeating the steps (2) and (3), the frame will be exposed as many times as you want, However, the frame counter advances each time the shutter release is pressed.

(5) After ending the multiple exposure, put the front lens cap on and make a blind shot.
Note: The frame may shift slightly.4www.butkus.org

INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY

When shooting infrared pictures with infrared film and a red filter, the point of focus will slightly differ if you focus visually. The amount of shift varies with the lens and a red line or red dot is marked on the lens' depth of field scale to compensate for it. First, focus the lens without a red filter on as you would do normally. Next, read that distance on the distance scale and shift it opposite the infrared mark, then put on a red filter and shoot. (The above picture was taken with the distance at infinity.)

FIRST SECTION     THIRD SECTION